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A 

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■'(  c r 


Christian  Pan- Americanism 


P.  A.  CONARD 
Associate  Continental 
Secretary  for  South  America 


Foreign  Department 

The  International  Committee  of  Young  Men’s  Christian 

Associations 

124  East  Twenty-Eighth  Street,  New  York  City 


Rio  de  Janeiro 
City 
and  Harbor 


I.  YOUNG  NATIONS— YOUNG  MEN 


The  first  striking  reaction  one  gets  on  going  to  South 
THEIR  MEASURE  America  comes  from  distances  and  areas,  dhis  con- 
tinent, inverted  with  Panama  for  a hinge,  would  span 
Key  West  and  the  North  Pole,  Baltimore  and  San  Francisco.  Ten 
republics  occupy  it.  The  largest,  Brazil,  has  more  square  miles  than  the 
United  States  without  Alaska.  Uruguay,  the  least,  exceeds  New  Eng- 
land plus  Maryland  and  has  a capital  the  size  of  New  Orleans  or  Min- 
neapolis. Argentina’s  territory  equals  France,  Germany,  Austria,  Hun- 
gary, Norway,  Sweden,  Denmark,  Switzerland,  Italy,  Ireland  and 
European  Turkey  before  1913 — nations  that  support  a population  of 
more  than  200,000,000. 

Argentina,  with  10,000,000,  is  sustaining  multitudes  by  exports  and  is 
merely  tickling  the  surface.  She  ships  more  beef  and  its  products  than 
the  United  States  and  is  breaking  into  the  first  rank  of  grain-producing 
nations.  As  yet  only  50,000,000  of  the  728,000,000  acres  of  tillable 
land  are  cultivated.  Commercially  Japan,  China,  Mexico,  Australia 
and  Spain  are  in  turn  outranked  by  the  nation  on  the  Plate.  The  whole 


continent  is  one  of  limitless,  undeveloped  resources.  Brazil  produces  four- 
fifths  of  the  coffee  used  in  the  world.  The  northern  desert  of  Chile 
yields  the  nitrates  to  make  fertile  the  acres  of  many  countries,  also  nets 
the  Government  in  export  duties  alone  iijO, 000,000  a year.  The  mineral 
wealth  of  the  Andes  is  proverbial,  likewise  the  hard-wood  forests  of  the 
Amazon,  that  mightiest  of  rivers,  offering  to  commerce,  with  its  trib- 
utaries, 50,000  miles  of  navigable  waters. 

The  second  impression  gained  is  that  of  peerless 
THEIR  GLORY  cities.  No  amount  of  reading  prepares  for  the 
sight  which  bursts  upon  vision  as  the  traveller 
enters  the  harbor  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  surrounded  by  the  majestic,  trop- 
ical-clad  Organ  Mountains.  The  one-time  synonym  for  yellow  fever 
has  become  a health  resort,  a city  of  a million  people,  adorned  by  the 
hand  of  man  as  well  as  of  God.  Miles  of  water-front,  esplanade  and 

parkway  begiule  by  day.  A profligate 
use  of  electric  light  sheds  brdliancy  by 
night.  Splendid  avenues  swarm  with 
automobiles,  as  in  New  York  or  Paris. 
Buenos  Aires,  metropolis  of  the  South- 
ern Hemisphere,  is  half  as  large  again, 
and  growing  at  the  rate  of  100,000  a 


Plaza  Mayo  in  front  of 
Government  House, 
Buenos  Aires 


year.  Into  this  gateway  of  a vast,  rich,  free  empire  enter  annually  a 
quarter  of  a million  immigrants.  With  stately  public  buildings,  net- 
works of  transportation  lines,  public  schools,  hospitals,  department 
stores,  theatres — from  “movies”  to  $5,000,000  triumphs  of  architecture 
— shipping  industries  that  serve  the  whole  earth;  universities  of  5,000 
students;  Parisian  fashions  worn  a season  ahead  of  North  America; 
boulevards  and  parks;  publications;  clubs  and  societies  of  every 
possible  human  interest,  no  material  feature  of  the  greatest  of  modern 
cities  is  wanting  in  the  world’s  second  and  third  centers  of  Latin  life. 

Such  a chain  of  capitals  constitutes  the  overwhelm- 
THKiR  POWER  ing  influence  in  the  life  of  the  nations.  Montevideo, 
Santiago,  Lima  and  others,  though  less  populous, 
are  no  less  the  heart  and  head  of  their  respective  republics.  They  de- 
termine things  political,  social,  economic  and  intellectual  as  no  city  in 
North  America  dominates  its  common- 
wealth. 

The  cities  in  turn  are  in  the  hands  of 
their  young  men.  You  meet  in  the 
business  world  or  consult  professionally 
young  men.  They  run  the  govern- 
ment or  through  the  press  make  and 

Avenida  Central, 
the  beautiful  boulevard 
of  Rio  de  Janeiro 


guide  puhllc  opinion.  A cabinet  minister  took  a government  party 
of  thirty  on  a five-days’  trip  to  dedicate  a new  school  building.  Two 
were  ministerial  associates;  the  others,  national  senators  and  represent- 
atives chiefly;  none  were  over  forty  years  of  age.  The  incident  is 
typical  and  significant.  Student  debates  and  discussions  lose  the 
burlesque  character  here  because  the  debaters  move  from  college  into 
the  places  of  power  and  action.  Here  they  are  found  ever  courteous 
and  friendly,  mentally  clever,  attractive,  passionate  with  national  pride, 
responsive  to  noble  appeal. 


II.  PERILS 


These  young  men  are  terribly  tempted.  Sm  respects 
FACING  FACTS  no  national  boundaries.  The  vices  ot  the  whole 
earth  have  found  the  way  here,  as  to  all  cosmopoli- 
tan populations.  They  are  rampant  and  unafraid.  The  observations 
that  follow  are  not  for  purposes  of  gleeful  comparison,  hut  to  point  the 
inquiry  why  some  forces  for  righteousness  doing  battle  against  the 
same  evils  in  other  great  cities  he  not  brought  to  bear  on  the  deadly 
foes  of  the  metropolis  under  the  Southern  Cross.  What  an  Italian  sur- 
geon or  a German  scientist  discovers  today  is  applied  tomorrow  in  the 
world’s  hospitals  and  laboratories.  When  a Brazilian  aeronaut  con- 
tributes to  the  conquest  of  the  air  or  an  Argentine  statesman  adds  a 
new  doctrine  to  the  international  code,  Civilization  acknowledges  itself 
debtor.  1 he  time  has  come  tor  free  trade  in  moral  resources.  This  is 
a plea  for  an  international  consciousness  to  assert  itself  against  Phari- 
seeism  when  a sister  nation’s  character  is  reviewed  and  against  injured 
pride  when  the  light  is  turned  on  at  home. 


Each  South  American  nation  fosters  a lottery,  with 
GIANT  EVILS  gains  used  to  support  hospitals,  orphan  asylums, 

or  education  at  the  price  of  raising  a race  of  gamhlers. 
Ciovernment  records  in  one  city  show  $112,000,000  (Mexican)  gambled 
on  the  race  track  in  a year,  a seven-fold  increase  in  ten  years.  Ihe 
almost  universal  drinking  of  light  alcoholics  has  been  without  besotting 
effects,  hut  in  certain  countries — notably  Chile — large  numbers  are 
going  at  it  like  Anglo-Saxons  with  the  same  consequences.  Air.  Akers,  in 
“A  History  of  South  America,”  says  that  Valparaiso  with  140,000  popu- 
lation had  more  cases  of  drunkenness  reported  to  the  police  than  London 
with  its  5,000,000.  Probably  the  former  administration  is  more  strict,  and 
it  is  well  to  be  so  unless  the  common  people  are  to  perish  in  their  cups. 
Flaunting  exposure  for  sale  of  vicious  literature  is  only  one  of  many 
revelations  of  the  nearly  utter  lack  of  public  conscience  against  impurity 

and  of  the  openness  and  ease  with 
which  a man  may  travel  the  way  “going 
down  to  the  gates  of  death.”  Neither 
in  Spanish,  Portuguese  nor  the  much 
read  French  is  there  offered  any  serious 
attempt  to  preserve  society  from  this 
contagion.  The  double  standard  of 

Ofice  of  the  leading  newspaper, 

Sayitiago,  Chili 


morals  is  found  in  aggravated  form.  The  girl  is  most  carefully  guarded 
every  minute  of  her  life.  The  boy  at  fourteen  or  sixteen  is  given  rein  to 
run  the  streets  at  will.  There  are  many  splendid  exceptions,  hut  in  gen- 
eral even  the  boy’s  mother  does  not  require  or  expect  him  to  spend 
his  evenings  at  home.  And  that  happens  which  overtakes  the  licensed 
sons  of  too  lenient  parents  anywhere.  They  soon  find  all,  even  the 
worst  the  city  offers,  fall  into  habits  that  grip  for  life,  and  otherwise 
carry  the  marks  of  unguided  experience. 

d his  story  is  vouched 

BOARDING  HOUSE  r r kj  t>  i 

MENACE  tor  from  JNlorth  orazil  : 

“One  of  the  most  fruit- 
ful sources  of  evil  among  students  is  the  ‘repub- 
lica’ or  student  boarding  and  lodging  house.  Six 
to  thirty  students  will  rent  a house,  furnish  it 
meagerly,  hire  servants  and  run  an  establish- 
ment which  without  the  slightest  supervision  by 
the  school  authorities  soon  nourishes  all  the 
vices  in  the  catalogue.  A wise  man  will  shun 
these  houses  if  he  can.  Generally  he  cannot. 

One  who  for  about  a year  lived  in  the  poor  Asso- 
ciation quarters  was  called  out  of  the  city  and 


Calle  Florida  Buettos  Aires. 
After  four  o'clock  carriages  are  excluded 
and  the  street  is  used  as  a promenade 


gave  up  his  room.  When  he  came  hack  everything  was  full  and  he  went 
to  a ‘republica.’  A few  days  later  he  returned  to  beg  for  a place  to 
sleep — even  in  the  corridor.  We  finally  put  a bed  in  a storeroom  for  a 
gentleman  who  is  accustomed  to  the  luxuries  of  life  and  can  afford  to 
travel  thousands  of  miles  to  get  his  education  or  take  a sick  brother  on 
a pleasure  trip  to  Europe  when  he  pleases.  Living  conditions  are  but 
little  worse  for  the  students  than  among  all  other  classes  of  young  men 
who  are  compelled  to  board  in  this  city.” 

Unbelief  and  pure  materialism  are  the  present  mas- 
FAiTH  DEAD  of  |-f,e  Latin-American  mind.  Religion,  with  its 

moral  support,  has  been  well  nigh  abandoned. 
Hon.  James  Bryce  states  in  his  recent  book  on  South  America:  “Both 

the  intellectual  life  and  the  ethical  stand- 
ards of  conduct  of  these  countries  seem 
to  be  entirely  divorced  from  religion. 
. . . Men  of  the  upper  or  educated 
class  appear  to  be  wholly  indifferent  to 
theology  and  to  Christian  worship.  It 
has  no  interest  for  them.”  The  discern- 
ing leaders  of  the  nations,  themselves, 
concede  and  deplore  this  fact.  Follow  the 


Miiyiicipal  Theatre, 
Rio  de  Janeiro 


language  of  a professor  in  the  University  of  Buenos  Aires:  “Completely 
unguided,  without  faith,  without  conviction,  without  moral  or  religious 
ideals,  in  an  atmosphere  whose  sensualism  materializes  their  ideals  and 
the  influence  of  which  chokes  their  highest  initiative  and  makes  sterile 
their  best  energies.’’  A Uruguayan  educator  writes  of  the  unbelief  that 
reigns  in  the  ruling  class  and  in  the  intelligent  youth  in  general,  created 
by  the  resistance  to  clericalism,  and — whether  aggressive  or  passive  in 
character — extending  to  everything  which  either  directly  or  indirectly 
exalts  the  name  of  Christ  or  signifies  any  religious  tendency.  Among 
teachers  and  professors  it  is  difficult  to  find  any  who  believe  that  religion 
has  or  can  have  anything  to  do  with  life.  Not  infrequently  this  indiffer- 
ence flames  into  hostility.  As  recently  as  1913  the  representative  of  the 
Vatican  arriving  at  the  capital  of  Chile  was  met  by  hundreds  of  men. 
Apparently  he  w’as  receiving  a popular 
demonstration.  He  was.  They  were 
students  of  the  National  University 
armed  with  bricks,  resenting  an  inter- 
ference in  politics.  Special  police  had  to 
be  called  out  to  get  him  safely  to  his 
residence. 


One  of  the  educational  classes, 
Buenos  Aires 


Even  if  the  attitude  were  not  hostile,  the  provision  for  ministering 
to  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  people  is  hopelessly  inadequate.  Buenos 
Aires  has  forty  Roman  Catholic  and  ten  Protestant  churches.  Phila- 
delphia, of  equal  size,  has  ninety  and  six  hundred  and  ninety  respectively. 
In  this  held  also  the  literature  is  impoverished  where  not  inimical. 
Another  element  in  the  situation  makes  exceedingly  difficult  a religious 
appeal.  Religious  terminology  does  not  call  to  these  minds  the  associa- 
tion of  ideas  with  which  we  clothe  the  same  sacred  terms.  What  solemn- 
izing sentiment  burns  the  heart  at  mention  of  the  Saviour’s  sorrows! 
In  South  America  there  is  a brand  of  wine  called  “The  Tears  of  Christ!” 
Jesus  is  not  an  uncommon  name  for  a hoy.  Such  signs  as  “Christ’s  Corner 
Crocert  ,”  “The  Drug  Store  of  the  I hree  Crosses”  and  the  like  are  to 
he  seen  here  and  there.  One  Good  Friday  a weekly  illustrated  magazine 
carried  on  its  hack  cover  an  advertisement  of  a brand  of  cigarettes.  The 
picture  represented  the  disciples  smoking  and  Judas  saying  to  the  Master, 
“If  I had  smoked  this  brand,  I would  not  have  betrayed  you.”  \\  here 
that  makes  good  advertising,  what  imagery  will  convey  the  concep- 
tions of  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  in  its  purity? 


III.  INTERNATIONAL  CHRISTIAN  ENGINEERING 


Now,  given  the  combination  of  young,  rich, 
THESE  KNEW  AND  CARED  growing  nations,  dominated  hy  great,  pro- 
gressive cities;  the  cities  in  the  hands  of  their 
brilliant  young  men,  overwhelmingly  tempted;  the  presence  of  people 
among  them  who  know  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  and  who 
care;  and  you  will  have  a call  for,  and  a response  from,  that  daring, 
versatile  agency  as  surely  as  rainfall  under  stated  meteorological  condi- 
tions. The  petitioners  included  the  ministers,  educators  and  business  men 
of  North  American  churches  resident  in  these  nations;  Christian  dip- 
lomats of  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States  like  the  Kennedys,  Barretts 
and  Morgans;  and  eminent  Latins  of  breadth  and  discernment  who,  as 
travelers  and  students,  saw  and  coveted  for  their  own  young  men  this 
betterment  agency  of  other  lands,  among  them  President  Menocal,  of 
Cuba,  graduate  of  Cornell  Univeristy;  and  Dr.  Rodriguez,  of  Rio  de 
Janeiro,  editor  and  owner  of  the  powerful  Jornal  de  Commercio.  Dr. 
Estanislau  Zeballos,  sometime  Argentine  Minister  at  Washington,  when 
on  the  National  Cabinet  as  Secretary  of  Worship  and  Foreign  Affairs, 
wrote,  in  La  Prensa,  of  Buenos  Aires; 


“I  remember,  indeed,  that  when  in  the  United  States  this  beneficent 
institution  made  an  indelible  impression  on  me,  with  its  magnificent 
buildings  erected  in  striking  prominence  in  all  the  great  cities.  ...  It 
not  only  establishes  a bond  of  union  among  its  members,  but  makes 
tor  the  perfection  of  individual  character,  things  very  necessary,  certainly, 
m the  Argentine  Republic.  A part  of  our  young  men  lack  the  spirit  of 
association,  are  too  individualistic,  intolerant  and  at  times  violent. 
1 heir  manner  is  generally  abrupt,  their  conversation  light  and  hardly 
choice,  their  application  to  study  deficient  and  their  inclination  to  gamble 
and  to  participate  in  unwholesome  pleasures  too  marked.  This  class  of 
Argentine  young  men  is,  unfortunately,  not  small,  and  active  forces  for 
bettering  their  social  condition  and  for  drawing  them  from  their  ill-chosen 
course  are  not  apparent.  The  influence  of  the  home  is  almost  nil.  It 
seems  to  have  no  attraction  for  men;  since  fathers,  sons  and  brothers 
stay  at  home  scarcely  long  enough  to  eat  and  sleep  and 
are  always  restless  to  leave.  . . . 

“The  Church  gives  little  attention  to  the  young  man 
launched  out  amidst  evil  social  customs.  Her  pulpit 
is  generally  silent  as  regards  social  questions  and  prog- 
ress, and  is  concerned  only  with  dogmatic  religion; 
its  preaching  is  ineffective  because  it  does  not  touch 

/>.  Jose  Carlos  Rodrigues, 

I'.diior,  Jornai  do  Commercio. 


life.  . . . Our  political  life,  financial  prosperity  and  lack  of  discipline, 
both  public  and  private,  help  to  increase  the  number  of  reckless  young 
men.  The  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  enters  into  the  contest 
as  a force  that  opposes  the  evil  and  protects  the  good.  Welcome  to 
this  institution,  and  welcome  to  the  young  men  who  unite  under  its 
banner,  whom  I greet  with  all  encouragement  and  with  my  profound 
sympathy.” 


THE  COMPACT 


Already  four  Associations  have  been  established  in 
as  many  cities  in  Brazil,  and  one  each  in  Uruguay, 
Argentina  and  Chile.  Other  insistent  calls  are  still 
to  be  answered.  The  extent  to  which  help  is  asked  by  one  race  and 
tendered  by  the  other  has  just  and  sensible  limits — briefly  these:  Enough 
experienced  North  American  leadership 
supported  from  home  resources  to  trans- 
plant the  essential  principles  and  spirit 
of  the  Movement,  together  with  such 
material  assistance  in  securing  a few 
model  buildings  that  its  real  and  full 
utility  may  be  demonstrated.  Twenty- 
five  men  and  a million  dollars  in  con- 
ditional gifts  towards  equipment  from 


Open  house  at 
Buenos  Aires  Association 


North  America  will  make  the  Association  as  indigenous  in  the  nations 
of  South  America  as  it  is  in  Canada  and  the  United  States;  and, 
judged  by  present  growth,  a greater  factor  in  character-making  than 
it  was  here  at  the  end  of  the  first  quarter  of  a century’s  existence. 

The  response  in  the  centers  entered  has 
SELF-SUPPORT  been  immediate  and  impressive.  Rio  de 
Janeiro  last  year  had  650  men  in  night 
classes,  signifying  not  simply  a great  educational  institution, 
but  a vital  moral  factor  in  the  lives  of  aspiring  men.  The 
receipts  from  members  alone  cover  sixty-one  per  cent,  of 
the  budget  of  Si 8,000,  all  provided  locally.  The  city  author- 
ities granted  immunity  from  municipal  taxes  on  grounds  of 
service.  After  a seven-years’  object  lesson  in  rented  quar- 
ters, Buenos  Aires  citizens  raised  S 140,000  gold  to  meet  the 
offer  of  S 100,000  from  North  America  for  the  concrete  build- 
ing which  the  Association  now  occupies  with  1,800  members, 
nearlv  half  of  whom  throng  it  daily.  North  America  loans 
the  services  of  two  secretaries  at  a cost  of  S6,ooo  a year, 
against  operating  expenses  of  ^35,000  a year,  called  forth  in 
the  city  itself.  Probably  few  stockholders  who  invest  one 
dollar  thereby  attract  seven. 


Rio  de  Janeiro  Association 
building  wholly  inadequate 


Responsibility  and  initiative  are  lodged  in  the  hands 
AUTONOMY  (jf  men  in  the  community.  No  foreign  overlord- 

ship is  in  anybody’s  mind.  In  Montevideo  the 
president  is  a leading  banker;  the  vice-president,  Secretary  of  the  Supreme 
Court;  the  treasurer,  a chartered  accountant  and  manager  of  an  im- 
portant hrm.  Besides  these,  on  the  board  are  the  managers  of  the  leading 
railway,  the  gas  company,  the  waterworks,  an  Italian  importing  and  a 
German  exporting  house;  seven  other  prominent  business  men;  a pro- 
fessor in  the  University;  the  head  of  a section  in  the  National  Depart- 
ment of  Hospitals  and  Ambulance  Service;  the  secretary  of  the  railway; 
and  the  bookkeeper  of  the  waterworks  company.  1 he  Uruguayan  general 
secretary  is  one  of  the  best  known  and  respected  men  in  the  nation,  for 
years  Director  of  Public  Works,  and  a conspicuous  educator.  Repre- 
senting tour  Church  communions  and  hve  nationalities, they  htly  express 
the  cosmopolitan  character  of  the  city. 

1 he  religious  purpose 
TUB  DYNAMIC  and  value  of  this  in- 
ternational venture  m 
brotherhood  are  neither  obscured  nor 
evaded,  though  prevailing  indifference 
or  enmity  toward  religion  on  the  part 

A Bible  Class 
hi  Montevideo 


of  the  chief  constituency  might  predict  a different  policy.  Of  eight 
men  taken  on  the  Buenos  Aires  employed  staff  locally  seven  had  first 
become  Christians  in  that  Association.  One,  a young  Englishman, 
proved  so  transforming  an  influence  that  he  was  called  to  a post  in 
India — the  first  example  of  one  foreign  Association  contributing  leader- 
ship to  another  land.  The  preparation  and  promotion  of  Bible  studies 
has  no  small  import  on  a “continent  without  a sacred  book.”  There 
is  spiritual  hunger  where  skeptics  offer  to  organize  Bible  classes  if  the 
secretaries  will  lead  them.  From  one  such  group  grew  the  student 
branch  of  Buenos  Aires,  the  continental  pioneer.  Experiences  of  some 
of  leaders  in  their  personal  contacts  read  like  the  Book  of  Acts. 

In  a real  sense  the  Anglo-Saxon  givers  of  life  or  money  to  this  task 
provide  also  for  their  own.  Their  young  men  are  here.  The  religion 
of  a great  majority  of  them  “does  not  survive  moving  day.”  With  the 
canal  opened  and  increasing  trade  relations,  they  will  be  coming  in  force. 
What  kind  of  influences  they  shall  meet  depends  in  no  small  measure 

on  the  continued  and  increased  willing- 
ness of  their  fellow  nationals  at  home  to 
promote  in  the  sister  republics  a chain  of 
life  preserving  stations  and  moral  dis- 
pensaries. This  ministry  is  to  the  young 

Rio's  model  municipal  playground  supervised 
by  the  Association  physical  director 


manhood  of  the  world.  To  one  Association  table  were  lately  gathered 
i8o  members  of  twenty  nationalities. 

Tbe  physical  message  meets  widespread  ac- 
BETTERiNG  NATIONAL  claim.  Rio’s  expert,  among  other  large  athletic 
services,  directs  a municipal  playground,  the 
first  in  Brazil.  The  Federal  customs  were  remitted  on  the  apparatus  and 
bowling  alleys  of  the  Association.  Nearly  looo  men  attend  gymnasium 
classes  in  the  Argentine  capital.  The  Uruguayan  National  Commission 
on  Physical  Education  invited  the  Montevideo  physical  director  to 
take  charge  of  their  playground  movement.  He  was  made  instructor 
of  the  physical  department  of  the  Woman’s  National  University,  and 
of  the  leading  private  boys’  school  of  the  country.  Under  his  super- 
vision are  125  classes  a month,  while  on  the  playgrounds  5000  children 
and  adults  are  receiving  guidance  and  instruction.  Most  of  these  activi- 
ties are  conducted  by  volunteer  leaders 
whom  he  sought  out  and  trained.  A few 
such  public  servants  can  fix  a type  of  phys- 
ical manhood  based  on  Christian  charac- 
ter among  the  young  men  of  these  nations, 
a colossal  privilege  that  does  not  tarry 
long  nor  return  if  affronted  by  neglect. 

M ontevideo  business  men's 
gymnasium  class 


IV.  NATIONAL  DIRECTIVE  FORCES 


The  North  American’s  ardent  and  braggart 
RDUCATIONAL  CURRENTS  patriotism  soon  cools  as  he  goes  south  and 

finds  European  interests  in  almost  undisputed 
possession  of  the  commercial  and  great  industrial  enterprises. 
But  if  he  looks  further  he  may  find  a theme  for  Fourth  of 
July  solace  in  the  influence  of  the  United  States^on  the^educational 
systems.  Th  e course  of  the  stream  has  varied  in  the  different  countries 
and  d ecades.  Argentina  employed  scores  of  North  American  teachers 
to  reorganize  her  schools.  Uruguay’s  great  educational  reformer  got  his 
inspiration  in  the  United  States,  whence  he  took  his  plans  and  methods. 
Mission  schools  have  had  widely  distributed  influence.  In  some  countries 

missionary  educators  have  been  put  in 
charge  of  government  education.  Many 
specialists  have  been  called  from  North 
America  by  the  nations — ten  to  a single 
institution  in  Porto  Alegre,  Brazil.  Nu- 
merous commissions  of  educators  have 


Life  Problem  Discussio7t  Club, 
Montevideo 


been  sent  North  as  well  as  to  Europe.  To  have  thus  served  nations  is 

assuredly  no  less  an  honor  than  to  have  sold  them  toys  and  engines  or 

to  have  purchased  their  coffee  and  jerked  beef. 

In  general  the  educational  systems  head  up  in 
rOO  BARREN  . , . . . ^ . 

student  life  national  or  state  universities.  In  them  and  the 
other  institutions  of  higher  learning  in  South 
America  are  gathered  about  45,000  students.  Planted  chiefly  in  the 
great  cities  as  they  are,  what  is  known  as  college  spirit  and  life  are 
almost  entirely  lacking — all  those  interests  outside  the  curriculum, 
athletics,  musical  clubs,  literary,  social,  philanthropic  and  religious 
societies.  Class  solidarity  is  minus,  d here  is  practically  no  intercourse 
between  the  professor  and  his  students.  The  alumnus  takes  little  heed 
of  his  Alma  Mater  after  she  honors  him  with  her  name.  The  sole  expres- 
sion of  the  student  body  in  organization  is  a somewhat  loose  federation 
of  recent  years  made  up  of  “Student  Centers’’  with  ill-defined  purpose 
and  practically  sterile  results.  The  local 
“centeis”  came  to  consciousness  as 
vehicles  of  opposition  to  faculty  meas- 
ures. A tew  are  beginning  to  serve 
useful  ends.  1 he  student  bodies  form 
probably  the  most  hostile  anti-religious 

International  dinner 
at  Buenos  .4  ires 


groups  in  their  nations.  The  ultimate  bearing  of  this  fact  lies  in  the 
unquestioned  supremacy  of  the  younger  educated  men  in  shaping 
public  policies  and  sentiment. 

Naturally  enough,  the  Association  activities 

RECOGNIZED  t^ONTRIBU-  i • i i • i ■ i • i 

TioN  which  have  gamed  widest  attention  on  the  con- 

tinent are  those  among  the  university  men. 
W'ith  one  exception,  in  all  the  Associations  a numerous  section  of  them 
are  in  the  membership.  With  equal  effort  exerted  among  them,  they  could 
he  brought  easily  to  displace  the  civilians.  The  one  specialized  depart- 
ment for  them  has  been  referred  to  already.  Others  must  follow  soon. 
[ he  one  sprang  from  a group  who  entered  the  Buenos  Aires  city  Associa- 
tion. Their  initial  interest  was  in  English  classes,  next  in  a distinctively 
Bible  student  circle,  and  then  came  a definitely  organized  branch  for 
students,  with  250  members  now, or  one-twentieth  of  the  great  University 
enrolment.  A student  hostel  and  clubhouse  accommodating  twenty-five 
residents  has  proved  completely  successful.  As  an  experiment  in  dormitory 
facilities  it  is  being  watched  with  keenest  interest  by  the  administration. 
On  recommendation  of  the  National  Superintendent  of  High  Schools, 
the  Minister  of  Education  recently  furnished  transportation  to  both  the 
North  American  and  Argentine  student  secretaries  for  a tour  of  the 
schools  of  the  interior  in  an  effort  to  relate  to  the  practical  helpfulness 


of  the  Association  and  the  student  hostel  the  new  students  who  stream  up 
to  the  metropolis  by  hundreds  every  year.  Superintendents,  professors 
and  senior  students  were  everywhere  found  cordial  and  even  enthusiastic. 

The  Continental  Student  Camp  held  annually 

GENERATOR.S  OF  n'  • r i 1 • TT  1 

GOODWILL  at  rinapolis,  the  charming  Uruguayan  shore 

resort,  has  scored  heavily  in  public  favor.  The 
governments  of  Brazil,  Chile,  Argentina  and  Uruguay  for  two  years  past 
have  paid  traveling  expenses  for  part  or  all  the  delegates  going  from 
their  seats  of  learning.  The  highest  diplomatic  representatives  of  these 
and  other  nations  make  official  visits  to  the  encampment  and  take  the 
platform  in  behalf  of  what  it  stands  for.  They  see  the  international 
bearings  in  a large  way.  The  Secretary  of  State  for  Uruguay  furnished 
the  entire  conference  with  round-trip  railroad  tickets  from  his  capital 
to  the  camp.  I'he  Minister  of  War  loaned  from  the  Army  Department 
all  tents  and  other  needed  equipment.  Both  officials  came  out  in  a 
Uruguayan  cruiser.  I he  latter  declared  the  camp  to  be  making  a larger 
contribution  to  international  peace  among  tbe  South  American  nations 
than  any  other  agency  now  at  work  there.  The  Chilean  Minister  in  an 
extensive  state  paper  to  his  government  reported  his  observations  to 
such  good  effect  that  urgent  invitations  have  come  from  students  and 
State  to  extend  formal  organization  to  Chilean  students.  The  powerful 


press  of  the  various  countries  gave  unlimited  publicity  and  approval. 

The  owner  of  the  estate  on  which  the  gathering 
PERMANENT?  encamps  is  so  impressed  with  the  results  as  to 

offer  for  permanent  grounds  a perfectly  situated 
wooded  section  which  in  the  original  plans  constituted  a public  park. 
To  hold  the  tender,  suitable  equipment  must  be  provided  as  a guaranty 
of  good  faith  and  permanent  use.  The  acreage  is  valued  at  ^25,000. 
Some  discerning  friend  of  Pan-Americanism  and  wmrld  peace  will  see 
here,  let  it  he  hoped  before  the  expiration  of  the  limit,  the  opportunity 
for  productive  investment. 

The  student  attendants  come  largely  unac- 
^^PEN  ViEART*^"  quainted  with  one  another  and  the  principles 

to  be  considered.  Before  the  ten  days  of 
Christian  companionship,  united  sport  and  serious  thought  are  ended 
prejudices  are  disarmed.  The  last  evening  is  called  “the  night  of  the  open 

heart,”  with  opportunity  and  an  at- 
mosphere for  perfectly  free  expression. 
One  law  student  voiced  the  sentiment 
of  many  of  them  by  saying; 

“Men,  I have  a confession  to  make. 
When  my  fellow  students  asked 

International  student  camp  Bible  class 
taught  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Uruguay 


me  to  represent  them  at  this  camp  I declined  in  anger  to  think  that 
they  should  consider  me  capable  of  attending  a meeting  held  under 
religious  auspices.  They  pressed  the  invitation  the  third  time  before 
I accepted  it.  My  father  and  mother  have  been  fighters  of  religion, 
and  I have  thought  it  my  patriotic  duty  to  do  what  I could  against 
religion  in  my  country.  But  I must  confess  that  I never  heard  of  religion 
as  you  men  interpret  it — something  inside  of  a man  which  makes  him 
happy  and  useful.  That  has  opened  up  to  me  a new  world.  I do  not  say 
that  I am  a believing  Christian,  but  I do  say  that  I go  away  an  open- 
minded  man,  determined  to  make  a first-hand  study  of  this  question.” 

A movement  may  be  judged  by  the  kind  of 
LATIN  LEADERSHIP  men  who  give 
themselves  to 
its  leadership.  The  Associations  of  South 
America  can  so  stand  for  judgment  with 
deep  satisfaction.  On  directorates, 
building  committees  and  advisory  boards 
are  many  of  the  countries’  leading  men. 

Linked  with  them  in  counsel  and 
achievement  is  a numerically  small 
but  increasing  company  of  brilliant 

Dhlinguished  visitors  at  Piriapolis 
student  conference 


educated,  devoted  Latin  sons  whose  contribution  is  made  in  the  coin  of 
life  service.  Senor  Monteverde  is  a much  loved  professor  in  the 
National  University  of  Uruguay.  Member  of  a prominent  family, 
long  active  and  eminent  in  public  life,  a leader  in  every  movement  for 
the  betterment  of  his  people,  a pillar  in  his  Church,  a loyal  and 
Christian  patriot  always,  every  door  is  open  to  him  and  every  name 
and  face  familiar.  While  the  organization  was  still  infant  in  his  city, 
he  dedicated  himself  to  the  secretaryship  as  the  greatest  service  to  be 
rendered  his  nation.  He  resigned  a government  position  and  a lucrative 
profession,  keeping  only  his  chair  in  the  University,  which  required 
but  one  hour  a day,  that  he  might  give  himself  unstintedly  to  the  new 
calling.  To  him  preeminently  are  due  the  amazing  acceptance  and 
rapid  development  of  the  Association  among  the  Uruguayans. 

Another  of  these  builders  is  Dr.  Jose  M.  Rua,  pro- 
fessor of  biology  in  the  University  of  Buenos  Aires, 
well  known  among  the  scientists  of  his  country,  head 
teacher  in  the  “Morris  Schools,”  which  are  giving 
educational  privileges  gratis  to  6000  poor  children 
gathered  off  the  streets.  His  constructive  service  is 
continent-wide,  whether  as  a member  of  the  student 
branch  committee  of  management,  leader  in  the 


Dr.  Joie  M.  Rua 


Continental  Student  Camp,  or  as  special  guest  of  the  International 
Committee  on  a tour  of  the  Universities  of  North  America,  where 
Latin  American  students  are  in  attendance. 

For  not  to  be  overlooked  in  this  aspect  of  Pan- 
NENTAL  LINK  Americanism  are  the  nfteen  hundred  Latin 

students  of  university  grade  studying  in  North 
American  universities.  No  one  knows  how  many  others  are  in  prepara- 
tory schools  and  other  institutions.  They  have  not  been  entering  in 
considerable  numbers  many  of  the  best  phases  of  student  life.  In 
promoting  measures  toward  such  an  end,  Dr.  Rua  proved  himself  a 
Christian  statesman.  Several  went  as  delegates  to  the  Lake  Alohonk 
Conference  of  the  Worlds  Student  Christian  Federation.  A special  sec- 
tion for  Latins  was  instituted  as  part  of  the  Northfield  student  summer 
conference.  Forty  attended,  representing  fourteen  countries.  Doors 
of  opportunity  were  opened  for  patriotic 
as  well  as  international  service  of  large 
and  significant  promise  for  the  future. 

Among  the  students  and  speakers  of 
honor  were  the  Director-General  of  the 
Pureau  of  Pan-American  Republics.  No 
one  who  knows  the  influence  of  a man 

First  Latin  American  student 
conference  at  Northfield, 


trained  abroad  on  his  return  to  his  native  country  will  underestimate 
the  importance  of  relationships  and  mutual  understandings  thus  eflfected. 

If  there  is  to  be  rendered  to  South  America  a 
HONOR  Lhristian  service,  it  must  be  with  the  spirit  oi 

genuine,  fraternal  good  will,  a friendly,  under- 
standing heart,  and  a sincere  desire  to  help  highly  sensitive,  self-respect- 
ing, cultured  neighbors  to  rise  victorious  over  those  common  enemies  of 
character  and  civilization  by  agencies  and  methods  found  effective  here. 
1 he  call  of  South  America  is  the  call  of  young,  potential,  resourceful 
nations;  of  magnificent  cities;  of  an  inspiring  and  splendid  history; 
the  call  of  attractive  and  brilliant  and  worthy  manhood.  It  is  the  call 
of  deep  and  urgent  needs, — the  deepest  of  all,  spiritual.  It  is  a call 
to  practical  and  virile  ministry  addressed  to  a fellow  race  which  shuns 
no  tasks  for  their  bigness.  It  is  the  call  of  Christ,  Whose  “all  the  world” 
includes  the  harder  pressed  half  of  the  Western  Hemisphere,  with  fifty 
growing  millions.  Once,  Latin  Christians  journeyed  to  the  lands  of  our 
barbarian  ancestors  and  gave  to  them  the  gospel  of  the  Kingdom  of  God. 
In  our  day,  Latin  sons  are  imperilled  and  without  a means  to  safety  in 
our  power  to  extend.  Shall  we  return  in  kind  the  priceless  service? 


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